OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR)

🗳️ ODIHR is recruiting for its Election Observation Activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following an invitation to observe the early election of the President of Republika Srpska scheduled for 23 November 2025. We’re looking for: ✅ Core team experts – Head of Mission, Deputy Head of Mission, Political Analyst, Election Analyst, Legal Analyst, Media Analyst, Regional Analysts ✅ Local support staff – Senior Operations, Procurement & Contracting, ICT and Security Assistants; Front Office and Administrative Assistants; Drivers; Executive and Senior Analyst Assistants (Political, Election, Legal, Media); Regional Analyst Assistants and Drivers in Doboj and Istočno Sarajevo 📅 Application deadlines (CEST): – Core team experts: 22 October 2025, 13:00 - Advance team positions: 23 October 2025, 17:00 CET. – Administrative positions: 25 October 2025, 17:00 – Programmatic positions: 28 October 2025, 17:00 – Regional positions: 28 October 2025, 17:00 🔗 Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/CWFnTD0

Democracy is stronger when everyone is represented Today in 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, we’re working with five political parties on practical steps — like action plans and gender audits — to make politics more equal and inclusive. It was an honour to have Yuriko Backes, Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, join us and share her perspective: 💭 “Gender audits go beyond the question of gender parity within political bodies. They integrate the essential question of how parties approach gender equality as a fundamental principle of governance and policy-making. Political parties are vital for a functioning democracy, and gender equality is vital to democracy itself.” 🙏 Thank you, Minister, and many thanks to the entire team of our distinguished hosts 📸 Courtesy of Céline Derveaux, Ministry for Gender Equality and Diversity, Luxembourg

The 2025 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, the largest annual human rights conference in Europe, ends today. Almost 2,000 participants were registered for this year’s event, a record number that shows the vital importance of democratic principles and human rights for our societies and for our security. Thanks to the Permanent Mission of Finland to the OSCE and all participants for two weeks of animated conversation on how to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. Together, we can. #WarsawHDC

Human rights defenders are increasingly being forced into exile as attacks on activists grow and the space for civil society shrinks. 💬 “Human rights defenders face inherent risks in their work, and relocating does not address all their needs. Adopting robust safeguarding mechanisms is essential to ensure minimum standards for mobility and a safe environment for defenders in exile,” said Jennifer Gaspar, Araminta Managing Director. At the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, ODIHR, Araminta and World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) discussed the challenges faced by human rights defenders, from urgent personal and legal issues through to long-term barriers such as insecurity, restricted mobility and limited opportunities to continue their work. Participants called for minimum standards and stronger safeguards across the OSCE region and the EU to ensure defenders can continue their work safely. Protecting human rights also means protecting those who defend them.

To defend human rights, we need strong, independent institutions. National human rights institutions act as independent watchdogs and a bridge between governments and civil society. They play a vital role in protecting people’s rights. 💬 “While NHRIs are recognised for their important work in upholding human rights, democracy and rule of law… they are also increasingly facing challenges to fulfil their mandate,” said Tobias Rahm, Senior Advisor at the Swedish Institute for Human Rights and member of European Network of National Human Rights Institutions Expert Group on NHRI Standards. At the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, ODIHR and ENNHRI highlighted the need to safeguard the independence of NHRIs, ensure they are properly resourced, and build stronger cooperation with state authorities to help them continue their essential work.

🎮 Step into the Starlight Stadium at WHDC! This Thursday, 16 October, we’re bringing something innovative to the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference: a space to play, reflect and connect. All day long, you’ll find our Starlight Stadium corner in the lounge next to the plenary room at the Sofitel. Stop by to: 🟣 Try out the online educational game for human rights defenders 🟣 Chat with us about the concept and its potential 🟣 Discover innovative approaches to human rights education We’ll be there with Starlight Stadium materials to make it easy to spot. Come explore — and play the game with us!

Survivors of human trafficking are often hidden in plain sight, with only a fraction ever identified. 💬 “With the majority of victims remaining unidentified or facing difficulties in accessing and navigating complex protection systems, we must ask ourselves what we can do better and find innovative and survivor-led solutions,” said Jeanne Celestine Lakin, Chair of ODIHR’s International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC). At the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, ODIHR stressed the need for stronger and longer support that goes beyond immediate assistance to ensure victims get the help they need to recover and rebuild their lives.

Hostility is growing toward migrants and refugees, increasingly fuelled by disinformation and anti-migrant rhetoric. At the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, ODIHR brought together voices from across the OSCE region to discuss how to better protect people on the move, as well as those who defend them. 💬 “Fear-driven narratives do not only harm migrants and refugees, but also weaken our democracies. That is why we are redoubling our efforts to support states and civil society in countering disinformation, protecting human rights defenders and promoting inclusive communities built on truth, dignity and solidarity,” said Julia Gebhard, Deputy Head of ODIHR’s Democratization Department. The warm welcome given to Ukrainian refugees in many places shows what’s possible when solidarity prevails.

What happens when a human rights institution faces threats to its work or even its survival? This week in Warsaw, ODIHR is training representatives of national human rights institutions from across the OSCE region on how to keep going when crises hit. Over two days, participants will share their experiences and learn practical ways to stay effective, protect their independence and keep serving people even under pressure. 📸 Thanks to Nuriya Sherzodova

Gender parity. A right, not a wish Today, we launched the Gender Parity Roadmap – a practical guide to help countries, parliaments, and political parties make politics truly 50/50 for women and men. Many thanks to Nicole Ameline for joining us and giving her insight. ODIHR has been working for over 30 years to make gender equality a reality. The Roadmap is our newest tool to make it happen. The link’s in the comments ⬇️ #WarsawHDC